Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle

Background. To the best of our knowledge, only one patient with calcium hydroxyapatite deposition disease (CHADD) of the longus colli muscle has been reported in the otolaryngology literature. Methods. Clinical findings and results of imaging studies in such a patient are reported. Results. Two particular imaging findings of this disorder are discussed. First, disappearance of calcifications over the short time frame of a week, accompanied by the resolution of clinical symptoms. Second, the presence of an extensive region of high signal intensity extending from the skull base to the lower border of C5, on T2-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) images. Conclusions. Knowledge of the characteristic clinical spectrum and imaging features of this disorder are crucial for a correct diagnosis of this uncommon cause of odynophagia and dysphagia. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.